Mary Smalley Ortega

Mary Smalley Ortega died suddenly on March 25, 2014 at her home in Albuquerque as she was tending her beloved garden. Mary was born in Gallup, NM on September 13, 1928. Mary graduated from Sacred Heart Cathedral High School in Gallup. She married Lotario "Terry" Ortega on June 19, 1946, and they were looking to celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary this year. Mary was a lifelong Catholic and member of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Albuquerque NM. She was devoted to her family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, who were the joy of her life. She is survived by her husband and seven children; Mary L. Ortega; Teresa Heaphy and husband Stephen; Ann Johnson; Peter Ortega and wife Malinda; Paul Ortega and wife Michele; Philip Ortega; Angelica Benavidez and husband Mario; 16 grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Mary is also survived by her sister Helen Radosevich of Gallup NM; sister Elizabeth Sparks of Albuquerque; brother John Smalley and sister-in-law Janice of Albuquerque; sister-in-law Lynda Groves of San Angelo, TX; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her children John Ortega (infant), Lotario E. Ortega of Albuquerque, and Thomas Ortega of Milan NM. Rosary will be recited Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. Mass will be celebrated Monday, March 31, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Lomas and Tennessee.